|| Before You Ask ||
Services We Provide
- Research assistance related to music and spoken word sound recordings
- Answers to queries requiring resources unique to the Library of Congress
- We will attempt to respond within 5 business days
- Phonoduplication of sound recordings, as long as permission of the copyright holders is obtained
Services We Cannot Provide
- Lists of recordings in the public domain or copyright searches *
- Extensive research including compiling discographies
- Language instruction tapes or books on tape for the visually disabled (see NLS below)
- Appraisals
* Due to copyright restrictions the vast majority of sound recordings are not available online nor will they enter the public domain until the year 2067
You can also visit the Recorded Sound Research Center Web site (Be sure to read Important Changes in Reading Room Service) or read through our Frequently Asked Questions.
Ask a Librarian Online
For reference questions, proceed to the online form and get answers via email.
Contact us by Phone or Fax
(202) 707-7833
Fax: (202) 707-8464
Written Correspondence *
Recorded Sound Reference Center
Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20540
* Please note: information on mail delays
|| Additional Recorded Sound Resources ||
Have you checked:
- The Library of Congress Online Catalog
- Recorded Sound Catalog (SONIC)
- The Copyright Database
- Your local library
- Our reference correspondence policy
Also, try consulting these online resources:
- Guides & Reference Aids
- Copies of Recordings
- Downloadable Audio files
- Information for Researchers
- Copyright Law
- National Archives Catalog to search for U.S. government films/videos in the public domain
- National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) for Books on Tape
